Fall 2023 SOARING Newsletter

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A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy

Sum mit

Fall 2023

All in 4 HIM at SCA The 2023-24 school year at

months, the school completed

of School Chris Hahn. “We have

Summit Christian Academy

an “Elementary Eagle Refresh”

record enrollment, improved

(SCA) began on August 16

which included all new flooring

facilities in our elementary

with enrollment of over 1,230

and painting, hardwood floors

school, and we have expanded

preschool-12th grade students

installed in the Elementary

facilities as we step into a

with the theme, “All in 4 Him.”

gymnasium, and turf and new

partnership with LSCC to better

The theme is based on Jeremiah

play structure to be installed

serve our kids and families.

29:13, “You will seek me and find

on the Elementary playground.

We’ve expanded our faculty to

me when you seek me with all

This school year, SCA has

best serve your children, and I

your heart.”

also expanded the campus

believe we have a great team to

“Our hope and prayer is that

through a long-term lease

encourage them as they grow

our students and community

with neighboring church Lee’s

in head knowledge and nurture

Anthony Mickelson, Secondary Assistant Principal

continue making God the focus

Summit Community Church

them as they grow in heart

and center of their lives,”

(LSCC). This lease provides

knowledge of a relationship

Charissa Sanders, Early Ed & Lower Elementary Principal

shared SCA Head of School Mr.

eight additional classrooms in

with Jesus Christ.”

Julie Madsen, Upper Elementary Principal

Chris Hahn. “We desire that

their lower level, specifically and

they focus on being All in for (4)

solely reserved for SCA learning

Him.”

and ministry.

When school kicked off in

"What an incredible

August, some changes had

start to our school

happened! During the summer

year,” shared SCA Head

Christian Academy Administration, Early Education, Secondary 1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.525.1480 Elementary 1450 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.524.0185 Chris Hahn, Head of School Joe Hesman, Secondary Principal & Director of Operations

Lance Quessenberry, Athletic Director Sarah Coats, Director of Development Cordell Dick, Director of Access & Affordability

Like us on

www.summit-christian-academy.org

Inside Soaring: Spiritual............................................ 2 Message from Your Head of School............................... 3 Academics.....................................4-5 Athletics....................................... 6-8 Fine Arts....................................... 8-9 International...................................10 Counselor's Corner......................10 Tuition Assistance @ SCA...........11 Upcoming Events.......................... 12

Seniors such as Audrey Ellett and Hunter Keithley, and junior Stevie McCanse eagerly greet students with worship music, posters, words of encouragement, and cheers as they enter their first day of school.

Early Education student Olivia Webb arrives for her first day of school as one of over 25 second-generation Eagles. Olivia’s dad, Matt, graduated from SCA in 2009 and is a part of a growing number of alumni who are returning to SCA as a parent.

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Spiritual

Seniors Serve on Mission Trip in Nashville

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he Class of 2024 spent the final days of their summer vacation away from home and serving on the senior mission trip in Nashville, Tennessee. The SCA Senior Mission Trip is a long-standing tradition at SCA as this was the 20th class to serve on the mission field. As seniors prepare to go beyond the campus of SCA after graduation, the senior mission trip is an opportunity to build class leadership, unity, spiritual and personal leadership, and help a community in need.

Partnering with Students Living A Mission (SLAM), a part of Global Outreach Development International, the 64 seniors were the biggest single group of the summer for the organization.

Seniors were able to divide into multiple, intentional small groups and therefore impact several different people groups and/or organizations in Nashville each day.

SLAM mobilizes students to live a mission in imitation of Jesus Christ by serving

The Class of 2024 assembled to leave the walls of SCA to serve in Nashville, Tennessee.

as a lifestyle.” the poor and underprivileged through “I am so impressed with the Class of community service, focusing specifically 2024,” shared SCA Secondary Principal Joe on caring for the children, elderly, and Hesman. “Sixty-four of the 69 students newcomers to the growing Nashville attended the senior mission trip. Watching community. Seniors spent their days partnering with refugees and immigrants, them grow closer to God and to each other widows and elderly, and local non-profits. through helping others and intentional conversations with each other was such In addition, the students grew closer a blessing! I am excited to see who they to God and each other through nightly decide to be as a class! I have no doubt that worship, small groups, and study of the God will meet with them and use them well book of John, with a focus on John 15:13, this year!”

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay The seniors finished their service week down one’s life for one’s friends.” with a day of fun at the Nashville Zoo and “I still remember how well the seniors led the school when I was in 7th Gaylord Opryland. grade,” shared SCA Senior Will Bisbee. “As a senior class, we have so much more impact than we realize because everyone is looking at us.

This is an opportunity for us to come together and say how we are going to lead our school. We are going to show Seniors spend the final days of their summer Seniors partnered with Students Living A Mission (SLAM), the underclassmen and the growing closer to God and uniting as a class a part of Global Outreach Development International, to school what it’s like to truly through spiritually challenging, intentional service serve refugees and immigrants, widows and elderly, and to others in the Senior Mission Trip. local nonprofits. lean into God and each other

SCA Unites at See You at the Pole Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, parents, and Covenant Church pastors united together at the SCA flagpoles on Wednesday, September 27, for See You at the Pole (SYATP). SYATP is an annual, nationwide initiative encouraging students to unite in worship and prayer. It is a student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event. SCA kindergarten through 12th grade students gathered at the elementary and secondary flagpoles to pray for their friends, families, school, and nation, as well as praise and worship.

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Academics

Early Education Classes Have Special Visitors Mrs. Manners Visits Early Education

Special Visitor for “P” Week Early Education students recently focused on the letter “P” for a week and celebrated not only with “P”ajama Day, but with a visit from SCA School Resource “P”olice Officer Holman.

Officer Holman talked with the students, read a book, and shared information about what it means to be a “P”olice Officer. We are so thankful for Officer Holman at SCA!

It is always a fun week when we have the opportunity to not only help our Early Education students learn their A-BC’s and 1-2-3’s, but also learn proper etiquette and manners. A very special visitor, Mrs. Manners, made her way around to each classroom and taught our littlest Eagles how to eat with proper manners.

Prekindergarten Students are All Smiles at Red Barn Farm Prekindergarten students had the opportunity to go beyond the walls of SCA to Red Barn Farm for their Fall Field Trip. The students enjoyed feeding and engaging with God's amazing farm animals.

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Henlee Haeselin (L) and Henzleigh Hevalow (R) enjoy time hanging out with the goats, sheep and donkeys at Red Barn Farm.

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1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.525.1480

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Message from SCA Head of School Chris Hahn The Mission of Summit Christian Academy: To inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian tr aining in a compassionate environment.

I am excited! I am excited to invite our grandparents back to SCA for a reimagined GRANDPARENTS' DAY (GP Day). As many of you know, we have not been able to host GP Day for the last several years. Grandparents of K-12 students can join us Friday, November 17, in the Fieldhouse and Activities Center. Instead of grandparents going into the classrooms, we will bring the children to the grandparents! Doors open at 8 a.m. and coffee and refreshments will be available. We are excited to share the mission and ministry of SCA through performance, song, and video by our students in Kindergarten-12th.

I was recently asked by one of the elementary student newspaper “reporters” if I had Grandparents' Day as a child. Sadly, I did not. I do clearly remember, 40 years ago, my Grandpa coming to a game I was playing in. Following the game, I thanked him for being there. I clearly remember him saying, “I would not have missed this, and the chance to see you play, for anything else.” Forty years later, and I still remember how he made me feel. I hope you can join us and maybe create a memory, too.

You ar e in vited to Sum mit Chr isti a n Ac ademy

R E V I TA L I Z E D & R E I M AG I N E D

GR ANDPARENTS’ DAY 2023 Friday, November 17

All SCA K-12th grade grandparents are invited to join their grandchildren for a fun-filled and memorable morning that includes coffee and refreshments, a music program, and presentations. Your grandchildren will LOVE having you attend SCA Grandparents’ Day 2023!

Roy and Marie Hahn with grandson Mr. Chris Hahn, July 2006.

Mr. Hahn's dad Jim with grandson Tyler on his Grandparents' Day in 2005.

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Academics

Elementary Students Complete Summer Reading Challenge More than 75 elementary students were acknowledged for their accomplishments in reading over summer break.

Every summer, students lose reading momentum from the previous school year if they do not continue to practice.

SCA Librarian Meredith McWilliams encouraged incoming Kindergarten through 6th grade students to read all summer long with a Summer Reading Challenge. Students who completed the challenge were rewarded with a pizza and popsicle party during lunch.

Students in grades K-2 completed the Summer Reading Challenge and were celebrated with a pizza and popsicle party.

Students in grades 3-6 completed the Summer Reading Challenge and were celebrated with a pizza and popsicle party.

STEWARDS Uncover History in Archeological Unit

Go WEST Fourth Gr ade Students ... Go West!

The STEWARDS students recently completed their study of archeology with a visit to the Steamboat Arabia Museum.

“This is such a fortunate opportunity for our students to have something like the Steamboat to study archeology,” shared STEWARDS Teacher Mrs. Stacy Epema.

“It is amazing to see all the artifacts that were uncovered in one place!”

At SCA we have the opportunity to make learning FUN! And BOY HOWDY did the fourth grade class do that as they learned about Westward expansion. The students worked as teams to investigate the cause and effect of pioneers moving west, were part of a cattle drive game, enjoyed trail mix, and listened to the tunes of the West—just as the pioneers would have done, of course. I bet these 4th grade students could “yarn the hours away” tellin' you all about their time as a pioneer!

Yeehaw, it was a fun day at SCA!

STEWARDS students enjoyed the opportunity to uncover all that the history of the Steamboat Arabia Museum had to offer.

Fourth grade students George Hupp and Andersen Falk work together with their team on driving their cattle through the west as they study Westward expansion.

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Academics

Senior Recognized as National Merit Semifinalist

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enior Anna Hammond has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Anna will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for one of approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million to be offered next spring.

Semifinalists come from the top 3-4% of students taking the test, making Anna one of approximately 16,000 semifinalists throughout the

United States.

National Merit Scholars semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Anna is active in SCA Concert Chorale, Student Council, Spiritual Climate Committee, and is the Historian

of National Honor Society.

Anna is a peer-tutor Writing Fellow, Small Group leader, Scholar Bowl champion, is the Interact Club President, and was a staff member at Missouri Leadership Seminar. In addition, Anna recently received the distinguished Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Senior Anna Hammond has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.

Junior High Speech & Debate Team Competes at Nationals Members from the Junior High Speech and Debate Team were blessed to compete and experience the National Speech and Debate Tournament this past June in Phoenix.

The students who participated in the national competition were Josie Gillihan, Violet Darby, Izzy Standiford, Lily Glaze, Leo Butler, Elijah Zicari, Elena Michael, Charlotte Mattson, Gavin Boor, and Jackson Shrum.

“The SCA students represented us well and loved the experience of debating in a National championship,” shared Junior High Speech and Debate Coach Bill Lindsey.

“Elena Michael placed eighth in Impromptu out of 200 participants! I am proud of each of the students and am looking forward to those who qualify for the 23-24 Debate Nationals.”

Pictured are members of the Junior High Speech and Debate Team: (L-R) Mason Morrow, Liam Falk, Noah Haulotte, Jackson Shrum, Charlotte Mattson, Izzy Standiford, Lily Glaze, Elena Michael, Elijah Zicari, Leo Butler (not picturedGavin Boor).

Debate Team Participates in the Fall Mini Conference Several members of the SCA Speech and Debate Team were part of the Kansas City Fall mini conference held at North Kansas City High School. Students attended the conference to get acquainted with the league and meet students from other schools.

Pictured are students who were part of the Fall Speech and Debate Mini Conference: (L-R) Noah Govro, Anderson Arroyo, Eli Skinner, Jackson Shrum, Charlotte Mattson, Lily Glaze, Abby Siemens, Elena Michael, and Esther Willoughby.

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Athletics

Fall Athletic Teams Wr apping Up Their Seasons

by Lance Quessenberry, Athletic Director The school year has started great and the same can be said for SCA Athletics.

The fall season is always a busy time, especially September. Once the month starts, it seems it is over very quickly.

We are at the midpoint of the season for many of our programs, but some are getting close to their postseason opportunities. Our athletes put in a lot of time over the summer perfecting their crafts and now they are getting the opportunity to show off that hard work. Some teams have already achieved a lot of success during competitions, and others are getting better each week as they continue to grow as a team. As always, we appreciate the time and effort

put forth by the coaches and athletes to achieve their highest level of success. It is a great experience to be able to watch our SCA teams compete and represent Christ while they do it.

Some highlights for the fall season so far: • Boys' Soccer won the SCA Cup for the first time since 2015. They are also ranked 4th in the Class 2 state power rankings.

• Volleyball finished 2nd in the inaugural Hy-Vee Tournament.

Make sure to visit the athletic page of the school website and check out all the opportunities to attend an SCA athletic event. Our athletes and coaches appreciate those who come to their

competitions as they can feel your support.

As always, we thank God for the opportunities He gives us at SCA. As an SCA community, Lance Quessenberry we want to do our best to represent Him as players, coaches, and fans. We want others to see Christ in all we do and that includes every area of athletics.

Hope to see you at an SCA athletic event soon!

Alec Rush Soccer Alumni Game forever friend, forging deep connections with those who shared his love for soccer and his faith in Jesus.

The final score of the alumni game, a 6-3 victory for the alumni team, was less important than the love and unity that pervaded the event. It was a celebration of the enduring bonds formed There were 29 current students and 17 alumni who came together for this year's Alec Rush Blue & White Alumni Soccer game. through soccer, and a reminder and enthusiasm with the

by Brad Creason, Boys' Soccer follower, fearless warrior, and that Alec's legacy lives on in the younger generation. His legacy hearts of those who had the Head Coach forever friend to all who had In the world of sports, the privilege of knowing him. It was more than just a collection privilege of knowing him. also helps to raise funds for the of goals and assists; it was a few events can match the In the end, the soccer alumni Alec Rush DASH award that is testament to the love we all warmth and nostalgia of an game was a celebration of alumni soccer game. These given to a current SCA student share for Jesus and soccer. love—for the sport, for Jesus, The words "faithful follower, and for the memories we games are more than just a each spring. fearless warrior, forever friend" create on the field. It was a friendly competition; they are Alec's love for soccer and encapsulated Alec's life. He a testament to the enduring his unwavering dedication to reminder that the game has the camaraderie among players the sport were undeniable. His was faithful not only to the power to bring people together, sport, but also to the values who once shared the same presence on and off the field to inspire us to be faithful and friendships it cultivated. pitch, the same dreams, was a source of inspiration to followers, fearless warriors, and the same love for the his teammates and a reflection He was a fearless warrior on and forever friends, just as Alec of his passion. He was not just the field, giving his all in every beautiful game. The alumni Rush was throughout his life. a player but also a mentor, match, and inspiring others to game serves as a tribute to willing to share his knowledge do the same. Finally, he was a the late Alec Rush, a faithful

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Athletics

Junior Finishes Second in Missouri State Clays Championship Junior Sean McCarty was named to the All-State Team and won second place in his class at the Missouri State Sporting Clays Championship Tournament and preliminary tournament. Sean is one of the youngest registered participants and typically competes against adults at his competitions.

Sean was also awarded for high volume shooter due to the number of registered targets he broke in the past year. He is running for All-State honors again and has earned enough points to move up a class to push his competition to more experienced individuals and college team members.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

by Greg Thomas, Wrestling Head Coach Varsity and junior high wrestling will get rolling in early November, so grades 7-12 will hit the mats in what will shape up to be a powerful season!

Despite losing three valuable seniors last season, the 2023-24 Eagles will be very exciting to watch. Most of the weight classes

Junior Sean McCarty finished second in Class E as the fourth youngest participant in Missouri State Sporting Clays Championship.

Softball Progr am Wr apping Up Winning Season

by Tiffany Summit, Softball Head Coach The Varsity Softball team is doing really well this year. Varsity ended regular season competition at 14-6 and JV at 4-2 as they look forward to the postseason. The team is young, but incredibly talented. The two seniors, Peydn Jeffries and Sarah Woodall, are doing an amazing job as they lead the underclassmen through a great season. The team has grown in their resiliency during the game as they have fought through some close games this season to come out with big wins. This group of young ladies brings a lot of fun to the game of softball.

The team has also put in a lot of hard work off the field to cultivate godly relationships with each other. They do a weekly Bible study as a team and are walking verse by verse through the book of Colossians this year. This team has brought amazing insights from the study of God's Word!

The team is excited to end the season strong with the start of district competition in midOctober. Go Eagles!

will be filled by experienced wrestlers, so expect to see some up-tempo thrilling action!

The Eagles should be solid from top to bottom. A few names to keep an eye on will be Drew Addleman, Matthias “Ice” McGregor, Seth Stricklin, Gabe Harris, Jack Brownlee, Dakota Cobb, and returning state qualifier Ben Winters. A few of the new roster additions may also step up big as the season gets started.

The junior high team has some standout return athletes to watch, as well.

We have room for more wrestlers! Contact Coach Thomas for more information. You may email him at coachttd@yahoo.com or text at 816-699-4985.

Varsity Softball at 14-6 for the season as they enter District competition!

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Athletics & Fine Arts

Girls' Golf Building a Great Progr am

by Mattie Doerhoff, Girls Golf Head Coach Varsity Girls' Golf is a fantastic group of young women striving to meet their goals, have fun, build relationships, learn the game of golf, and represent God and SCA with our values and positive attitude. Every girl has worked hard this season to reach her full potential.

Returning state qualifier and senior Nora Schuh has consistently kept the number one spot on the team, even placing 1st in a couple tournaments. She is a first-class leader as her bubbly personality invites other teammates to become more involved

and she is always willing to help the team.

Senior Savanah Topping holds the number two spot on the team and is a top notch “coach.” She loves to help the younger girls with their game and she is always able to help them get back into the “swing of things!” She continues to work hard making big adjustments to her swing and improving her distances. Freshman Kiley Stallings holds the number three spot.

She is the team’s master putter and has won many putting contests amongst the team. She also loves nature as she often finds flowers, sticks, and leaves that show

everyone the beauty of God’s creation.

Freshman Isabella Fulton and sophomore Breilly Ferguson are numbers four and five on the team. They are both brand new to golf, but you would not know it by watching them. They both hit the ball very well, have an undeniable willingness to learn, and are improving every day.

These five ladies show up each day ready to play an amazing sport but more importantly, they show up and shine the light of Jesus to others. Their tenacious spirits, positive attitudes, and energetic personalities makes this team a family!

SCA Names 2023 Homecoming Court, Along with King & Queen

Homecoming King and Queen Audrey Ellett and Fischer Ethridge.

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Homecoming Candidates (L-R) seniors Jisue Kim, Hunter Bell, Audrey Ellett, Will Bisbee, Laynie Borchers, Fischer Ethridge, Kenzie Osborn, Owen Steinstra, Brooklyn Hess, and Elijah Hermida.

eniors Fischer Ethridge and Audrey Ellett were named the 2023 SCA Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the Eagles’ Homecoming football game vs. the Harrisonville Wildcats on Friday, September 22.

Pep Band Entertains at Homecoming Pep Assembly What a fun way to kick off Homecoming weekend with the SCA Pep Band performing at the Pep Assembly.

“Having the Pep Band at the Pep Rally was a great way to bring the band and the whole student body together. It was fun to do and I think it helped us show how much work the band puts in,” shared Senior Flute Player Marina Parks.

“We wanted to have a Pep Band to help with spirit for Spirit Week and to expose students to traditional marching band music and what would be involved in something outside of the concert setting,” shared Band Director Dr. Greg Turner.

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Fine Arts

Secondary Students Selected for KC Metro District Honors Choirs

Junior Emma Coats and senior Hunter Harris earned a spot in the All-District Mixed Choir for 2023-24.

Senior Hannah Wyssmann earned a spot in the SSAA All-District Choir for 2023-24.

Seven secondary choir members have earned a spot in one of the Kansas City Metro District Honor Choirs for 2023-24.

Junior Emma Coats and senior Hunter Harris earned a spot in the All-District Mixed Choir.

Senior Hannah Wyssmann earned a spot in the Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2 (SSAA) Choir.

Sophomore Seth Stricklin, junior George Hoelzel, and seniors David Gilkeson and Braeden Wooldridge earned spots in the Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass 1, Bass 2 (TTBB) Choir.

SCA 9th and 10th grade students Lucy Richards,Tristan Lyle, Brooks Hagan, and Eli Skinner were also recognized as they were named to the Kansas City Metro All-District 9th and 10th grade choirs.

These students will perform with their District Ensembles on October 24 at William Jewell College.

Sophomore Seth Stricklin, junior George Hoelzel, and seniors David Gilkeson and Braeden Wooldridge earned spots in the TTBB All-District Choir for 2023-24.

SCA 9th & 10th grade students Lucy Richards, Tristan Lyle, Brooks Hagan, and Eli Skinner were named to the Kansas City Metro AllDistrict 9th & 10th grade choir.

SCA Alumni and Senior Participate in Annie Moses Summer Music Festival Senior Hunter Harris, 2023 graduate Shea Rider, and 2022 graduate Hudson Harris were selected to perform and perfect their craft at the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival near Nashville, TN. All the SCA students performed in the production of The Music Man at the festival on July 28.

The Annie Moses Summer Music Festival is an intensive multidisciplinary summer camp founded by Julliard-trained music industry veterans. The organization’s purpose is to raise up a new generation skilled in their craft, who can glorify God through their practice of the Arts. Only 50 students are selected and accepted per session.

L-R: SCA 2022 graduate Hudson Harris, 2023 graduate Shea Rider, and rising senior Hunter Harris were selected into the exclusive Annie Moses Summer Music Festival near Nashville.

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International

SCA Welcomes New International Students from China, South Korea, and Vietnam SCA was excited to welcome four new students from China—Leo Lei (8th), Christine Xiong, Amber Zhang, and Kevin Chen (9th), one student from South Korea—John An (9th), and our first-ever student from Vietnam—Hannah Ho (11th). We are also glad to welcome returning Chinese student Emma Bao (9th)!

It’s been almost two months since our international students arrived and they have been getting involved in various ways. They’ve enjoyed clubs and sports like chess, basketball, and NEXUS. They’ve been growing and learning about what it means to be an SCA Eagle, connect with their host families, and make friends with others! Their American Buddies have been a vital part of their assimilation into SCA life and US culture.

The Buddy Program is a tremendous part of SCA’s International Program since Fun on the Farm! International Students and Buddies our American Buddies are first friends to our international students. Buddies are enjoy a relaxing time in the Corn Pit at the Fun Farm! friendly and provide excellent support for these new students. This year's Buddies are Brian Vanderpool, Matthew Brownlee, Gabriel Haack, Kennedy Styer, Charlotte Mattson, Bella Arroyo, and Jaidyn Hohl. They connect with their international student both inside and outside the classroom and help them feel welcome, supported, and cared for.

As a Buddy, there are many chances to show your international student about American culture. Things like Homecoming, football games, and outside activities are excellent ways to introduce American culture. Recently, we went to The Fun Farm and enjoyed a relaxing corn pit, tested how high we could jump on the jumbo jumper, tried our hand at carnival games, flew down the giant slides, and enjoyed tasty apple cider donuts! The apple cider slush was a refreshing treat, too! We are looking forward to more adventures as the year progresses!

If you’re interested in being an International Buddy next year, please contact International Program Director, Rocco DeFelice at rdefelice@sca-kc.org.

International Students and Buddies at the Fun Farm in Kearney!

Counselor's Corner

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ello from your SCA school counselors, Alyssa Knox and Rick McGregor! We are passionate about serving your student(s) and pointing them toward Jesus, as we recognize their value as being divinely created in the image of God. As school counselors, we use advocacy and collaboration to promote student academic success. This success will be accomplished through provision of services, short-term counseling, referrals, and response to identified student needs as referred by parents, teachers, or administration. Our goal is to equip students with biblical truths and tools necessary to navigate life in a healthy and loving way. We come alongside students when they are struggling to find or reach their Godgiven potential due to emotional, social, or mental challenges. We look forward to partnering with you in the overall success of your student(s)!

Alyssa Knox aknox@sca-kc.org ext. 413

Rick McGregor rmcgregor@sca-kc.org ext. 309

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This & That

Cordell's Corner: Taking the Mystery Out of Tuition Assistance at SCA At SCA, our goal is that every qualified student will be able to attend our school.

We know that for many families, investing in this experience can be financially challenging. We also believe that economic diversity is important to the fabric of our school community. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition assistance (TA) was granted to 305 students, representing 154 families.

To be considered for TA, new families must have submitted an SCA admissions application and current families must be reenrolled. Families seeking TA must also submit an online application to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment, an independent, third-party organization that reviews financial data provided by families.

The completed online FACTS application includes the following components: • Payment of the nonrefundable $40 application fee.

• Answers to a variety of financial questions for the past and upcoming year.

• Copies of the prior year’s income tax returns, including all supporting schedules.

• Copies of the prior year’s W-2 forms for both spouses.

• Copies of the prior year’s business

income tax returns and year-end financial statements, if the family owns a significant business.

• Estimate of the family’s maximum affordable tuition amount for the upcoming school year.

FACTS computes the Total Resources available to the family, which includes their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the most recent federal income tax return plus a percent (roughly 6%) of assets owned by the family, including cash, stocks, retirement funds, equity in the home and/or business, etc.

FACTS also computes the family’s Core Living Expenses, which typically include home mortgage payments, car payments, car and health insurance, charitable deductions, food, transportation, utilities, maintenance, etc. Some of these expenses are estimated as a percentage of income.

The difference between Total Resources and Core Living Expenses is considered “Disposable Income”.

FACTS reviews all the family’s information and provides a TA recommended award, generally computed as 50% of the family’s Disposable Income.

The SCA Tuition Assistance Committee makes the final determination of the TA award considering all the information

on the FACTS application and any additional relevant Cordell Dick information provided Director of Access & Affordability by the family.

Tuition awards are tuition grants—a gift to the family—not a loan that needs to be repaid. SCA typically awards TA up to 50% of K-12 tuition charges. Funding for additional hardship TA is considered when there are unique circumstances.

Many families at SCA also access funds from the MOScholars program, ACE scholarships or Folds of Honor program through separate application processes.

If a family receives a TA award from SCA, these special funds generally become part of the school’s total TA award. In addition, the Michael Project, a program of a private foundation, provides significant funding to SCA for providing TA awards. The MP funds provided to SCA are designated for families who require significant tuition assistance, where the requested TA award is a very large dollar amount or is a very large percentage of the tuition charge.

If you have questions related to this article or other tuition assistance or donation questions, please contact Cordell Dick at 816.525.1480 or email cordelld@ sca-kc.org.

SCA Head of School Visits the Hill SCA Head of School Mr. Hahn was in Washington, D.C. in September attending the Association Christian Schools International (ACSI) Public Policy and Advocacy Summit. He is beginning his second year as the ACSI Missouri State Representative.

While there, he represented the ACSI schools of Missouri at the ACSI Council meeting. He participated in meetings related to School Law, Protection of Female Sports, School Choice, School Safety, and Campus Culture. Mr. Hahn also personally met with staff representatives from the office of Senator Hawley. He was also able to connect with a former student from his former school in Texas, Emma Roos, who is now attending American University.

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081

The mission of Summit Christian Academy is to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.

Upcoming Events Oct 18 Oct 19

Elementary Pep Rally 2:45 p.m.

Elementary Fall Awards 6 p.m.

Elementary Winter Sports Meeting 7 p.m.

Oct 25 Secondary Blue Crew Day Oct 26-27 NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conferences Oct 30-Nov 3 Elementary Food Drive Nov 3 First Friday 8:25 a.m.

Secondary Blue Crew Day Nov 6-10 International Education Week Nov 9-10 SCA Theatre Presents Brigadoon 7 p.m.

Nov 11 SCA Theatre Presents Brigadoon 2 & 7 p.m.

Nov 16 Early Education Progam @ Abundant Life 9 a.m.

Nov 17 K-12 GRANDPARENTS' Day (EARLY RELEASE) Early Education Only (NO SCHOOL) Nov 20-24 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break Dec 1 First Friday 8:25 a.m.

Campus Visit Day 12:30-3 p.m.

Dec 6 JH Winter Sports Pictures Dec 7 HS Choir Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 11 HS Instrumental Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 13 Elementary Winter Sports Pictures Dec 14 Third Grade Production 7 p.m.

Dec 19-21 Dec 21 Dec 22-Jan 3 Jan 4

Secondary (7-12 Only) Finals (EARLY RELEASE) EARLY RELEASE - Christmas Break Begins NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break School Resumes Secondary Blue Crew Day

SCA Theatre Presents

7 P.M., NOVEMBER 9-10 2 & 7 P.M., NOVEMBER 11 TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON ON SHOWTIX4U.COM